Silicon Valley Community Foundation supports Santa Clara County Measures A and B, San Mateo County Measure K

Thursday, October 20, 2016

As our region encounters rapid growth and development, residents in the Bay Area are facing more challenges related to affordable housing and accessible transportation. To address these challenges, SVCF is proud to support three measures on the Nov. 8 ballot:

We urge voters in Santa Clara County to vote “yes” for both Measure A for affordable housing and Measure B for transit and transportation solutions.

We urge voters in San Mateo County to vote "yes" for Measure K for community affordability issues, including transit and affordable housing.

Measure A: Bond for affordable housing initiatives

While Silicon Valley has faced economic growth, prosperity is not widely shared and it is becoming harder for residents to find affordable places to live. Santa Clara County is also home to one of the nation’s largest homeless populations (over 6,500 individuals according to the most recent homeless census).

To address this crisis, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors has proposed a general obligation bond that would yield $950 million in proceeds and leverage an additional $2 billion in investments from tax credits and other sources to construct approximately $3 billion worth of affordable housing.

Many individuals and families would benefit from Measure A if passed by two-thirds of voters: veterans, seniors, the disabled, low- and moderate-income individuals and families, foster youth, victims of abuse, the homeless, and individuals suffering from mental illness or substance abuse. Additionally, households in the moderate income range would benefit from a first-time homebuyers program.

Specifically, Measure A would provide:

$700 million for new, extremely low-income housing, including supportive housing for the homeless (for households with annual incomes up to $23,000);

$100 million for new, very low-income housing (for households with annual incomes up to $39,000);

$100 million for moderate-income housing (for annual incomes of $60,000-$90,000 for singles and $82,000-$127,000 for couples); and

$50 million for first-time homebuyers (for annual incomes of $60,000-90,000 for singles and $82,000-$127,000 for couples).

As our dynamic region continues to change and grow, SVCF believes it is important to ensure that all area residents have access to affordable transportation opportunities.

If passed by two-thirds of voters, Measure B would result in $6.5 billion to fund major transit and transportation infrastructure projects, such as:

Expansion of BART service to the City of Santa Clara

Caltrain improvements

Relieve traffic congestion on all 10 Expressways

Repair roads and fix potholes in all 15 cities

Improve bicycle and pedestrian safety, especially near schools

In addition, and because of the hard work of SVCF’s community partners, $500 million would be devoted to address the transit challenges experienced by more vulnerable populations, including students, seniors, disabled and low-income residents.

Specifically, this $500 million will result in:

Increased bus service frequency along high-ridership corridors;

Improved amenities at bus stops to increase safety, security and access, including shelters, sidewalks and lighting;

Support for new service models to address first/last mile connections; and,

Development programs and services for students, seniors, disabled and low-income riders.

SVCF believes passing Measure B will result in transportation solutions that will help benefit Santa Clara County residents, and the surrounding region as a whole.

Measure K: Affordability and quality of life

Measure K, if voters approve, can fund general County services like public safety, health care, pothole repair, park, trail and open space maintenance and transit, as well as a major investment in affordable homes for both renters and homeowners.

Want to support SVCF’s work on other regional issues? Donate to the Silicon Valley Regional Fund, to support our work on collaborative solutions to challenging issues like housing, transportation and water management that aren’t limited by county borders.